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CUTPRO

Cutting

Laser Cutting Timber

Laser cutting on timber and plywood gives you fine detail with a slightly charred edge — the look most signwriters and prop builders want from the cut.

What this is

Timber laser cutting is the go-to for prop makers, model builders, sign shops doing rustic finishes, and small-batch craft producers. The edge comes off with a controlled char that some customers want as part of the look and others sand back; either way it's consistent and repeatable.

We run a CO2 laser on a range of timber and ply sheet. Plywood cuts very cleanly when the glue ratio is consistent — cheaper builders' grades give patchier results because of glue voids. Solid timber laser-cuts well in thinner sections for craft and signage; thicker sections move to the CNC router. Send the supplier and grade with your enquiry and we'll tell you before you commit.

Signwriters use timber laser for back-painted faces, layered signage, and rustic letter sets where the charred edge is the feature. Architects and shop-fitters use it for decorative panels and feature walls. Models, jewellery makers and education customers walk in for one-off detailed pieces — that's fine too, just expect the quote-back time to flex with workshop load.

If you're prototyping a shape that'll eventually run in a different material, laser the timber first. It's the fastest way to hold a part in your hand before committing to acrylic or aluminium tooling-cost.

When to use

  • Sign faces, rustic signage, layered timber letter sets
  • Prop, model and small-batch craft work
  • Architectural decorative panels and feature pieces
  • Quick prototypes before committing to a more expensive material
  • Engraved-then-cut signage with a registered surface graphic

When not to use

  • Pressure-treated, painted or laminated timber — fumes and contamination concerns
  • MDF (we route MDF — laser leaves a heavier char and is slower)
  • Thick structural sections — that's a CNC router job
  • Anything where a clean uncharred edge is required
Provisional · Confirmed on quoteLaser Cutting Timber
Material
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Thickness range
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Process
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Tolerance
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Edge finish
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Min / max sheet size
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Typical lead time
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Exact values confirmed when we quote your job.

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FAQ

What file types can I send?
DXF is the cleanest — that's a single-line vector format the cutter reads directly. AI, SVG, PDF, EPS and DWG all work too. If you've only got a JPG or a sketch on paper, send it anyway and we'll tidy it for you (small file-prep charge applies).
Will the cut edge be burned?
Yes — a controlled char comes with the cut. On most timber and ply it's an even brown line a fraction of a millimetre wide. Customers either leave it as a feature (rustic / handmade look) or sand it back. We can mask the surface to keep soot off the face before cutting if you ask.
Can you cut MDF on the laser?
Technically yes, but we route MDF instead. The laser produces more char and surface soot on MDF, and the CNC router gives a faster, cleaner cut at sensible thicknesses.
How should I prepare a DXF?
Outlines only, no fills. One closed path per cut. Different operations (cut, engrave, drill) on different layers so we know what gets which tool. Convert text to outlines before exporting so we don't have to chase the same font. If anything's ambiguous, write it in the file name or add a note in the quote request.
How quick is a quote?
Most quote requests come back within 1 business day, Mon-Fri. Simple trade jobs are usually faster during business hours. Complex jobs, supplied-material jobs or anything unusual may take longer — we'll tell you up front if so.
I don't have a design file. Can you still quote?
Yes. For straight cut-to-size work just send dimensions in the notes. For shapes, send a hand sketch or a reference photo and we'll draft it for you — file-prep is a flat fee added to the job.

Ready to quote laser cutting timber?

Quote back, usually within 1 business day. No card needed.

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